On Christmas Day for the last 30 years we have shown our appreciation for our elderly in the Milton Keynes area.

History of MKCDPE

In the late Seventies the Mayor held a Christmas Party at Wilton Hall for 25 elderly guests. As the event grew, in 1993 the venue moved to Argos Head Office on Avebury Boulevard and became known as the ‘Milton Keynes Party for the Elderly’. In 2006 an opportunity arose for a new venue at the Santander Building in Shenley Wood. The move allowed easier access to the facilities for our guests.

Christmas Day is a lonely day for many as their families are not local or their spouse has passed away.
On this special day, we try to alleviate the pain of loneliness. Our volunteers give our guests a ‘gift’ of conversation and company which they cherish. The donations we receive give us the ability to provide a meal, entertainment and a small gift in a festive environment – which is remembered long after the Christmas decorations have been put away.
The day starts at about 9.30 when volunteer drivers arrive to collect the guests from their home and bring them to the venue. The guests are met by more volunteers, who look after them all day until they depart around 4pm. We cater for about 100 elderly guests which would otherwise be spending Christmas day on their own.

The activities/entertainment for our guests include:

• Sing-alongs
• Lucky draws
• A traditional Christmas luncheon prepared fresh by our professional chef
• Tea, coffee, biscuits and a small bar for a little Christmas cheer
• The all-important visit from Father Christmas who gives each guest a present

Volunteers are imperative for the day’s success! Annually about 60 volunteers spend either part or full day at the event. With many of our volunteers having volunteered more than once, we are sure they are suited for the role and enjoy serving the community and ensuring the guests have a day to remember! For more information check out the tab “Volunteers’ Roles”. The event has been managed for over 20 years by Ruth Seabrook and other members of the committee. Each year we literally go – hat in hand – requesting both donations and volunteers to keep the event available for our Elderly Guests.
If you feel you would be able to contribute in any way to keep this occasion a reality, please feel free to contact Ruth Seabrook on committee.mkxmas@gmail.com or 01908 647510.